Celtic's Kris Commons has shrugged off talk of a Rangers resurgence by telling Stuart McCall his side are 'nowhere near' ready to topple their great rivals next season.

Interim manager McCall has presided over three successive league wins to re-establish the Ibrox outfit's credentials for promotion via the play-offs.

Now three points clear of Hibs with a game in hand, Rangers are back in pole position as they seek to join Hearts in the Premiership next term.

Kris Commons shrugged off talk of a Rangers resurgence by telling them they are 'nowhere near' ready

But, in the event that they do make it over the line, Commons believes they will still be a long way short of putting together a credible title challenge at the first time of asking.

'It's hard to say (if Rangers will be able to make an immediate challenge). First of all they have got to get up,' said the Parkhead playmaker.

'Secondly, they have got to sign some players that are worthy of challenging us. I think they are nowhere near that at the minute.

'That's all ifs and buts. That might take six months, it might take six weeks.

'But when any new manager comes in, no matter how good or bad (they are), you will get a reaction from players wanting to make an impression. I think that's why they have had a little turn in events.

'But, for me, commenting on them making a challenge, it is the same as talking about Hearts.

'We played them twice this year and beat them convincingly. So it will be difficult, I'd say.'

Commons was speaking at the launch of the Cheque Centre PFA Scotland Player-of-the-Year awards.

Stuart McCall looks like he will lead new club Rangers back into the Premiership

With the 31-year-old barred from nominating Celtic team-mates, he confirmed his vote will go to Aberdeen's 25-goal striker Adam Rooney.

However, the former Scotland international insists his club colleague, goalkeeper Craig Gordon, deserves the prize after battling back from devastating knee and wrist injuries which threatened to end his career.

The former Hearts and Sunderland No 1 had not played for two years when Deila handed him his chance at redemption.

And Commons revealed it took Gordon just two days to dispel any doubts the Celtic squad may have had about his capabilities.

'I'll be voting for Rooney,' said Commons. 'When you are scoring 20-plus goals a season you always need a special mention.